Parker Gun Collectors Association Forums - Recommendations for using Brad Bachelder?

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Recommendations for using Brad Bachelder?

Hi fellas,

Based on what I've read here in the past, is Brad still one of 'THE' guys to go to for Parker trigger and ejector repairs? I'm needing such work on a 32" barreled 16 gauge 'DHE' and am inclined to use him. If you feel I should consider otherwise, I'd ask that you not disrespect the man in your opinions.....am looking more for a general 'no' in that case.

But if you've been pleased with such work from him, I'd like to hear about it as to triggers, ejectors, and TIG welding capabilities in particular.

Thanks in advance for serious responses.....

rob

I've had Brad do a lot of work for me on Parkers. Everything from barrel bluing to complete restorations. I can't say enough good things about him & his operation.

The only negative I can see is he is gaining such a good reputation, his turn around time is getting longer. Even with this, he is still my main go-to guy.

Paul

'Thank you', fellas, for your responses and especially the restoration photos from BFT......just beautiful! They confirm what I've been hearing in the past and will send this one out to him right off.

With appreciation,

Rob

Brad has no fewer than 7 employees working with him while Del Grego, for example, may only have Lawrence and one other (as Lawrence has informed me). You'll get your work done faster with Brad and his work is first rate. You will not be disappointed should you decide to send your double gun to Bachelder's. I just sent a 20 ga Trojan to Brad for some clean up work.

Brad has done work on several guns for me. Everything from broken springs and buggered screws to a complete restoration of a LCS Grade 5 (pictures of which are posted on this forum under other fine doubles). He also stripped and refinished the wood and bone charcoal cased my 28 ga Repro. I wouldn't even think about using anyone else.

Thanks Mark for all those great pictures and info..........that's a very special water foul collection indeed! I have a Parker grade 2 hammer gun being fully restored by Brad, The time frame was 10 months, its due back this fall and I was just e-mailed that engraving looks great and on schedule....(-: It was in nice shape for a 1890-s shotgun, had no major issues and only needed the Damascus barrels re-done to be a nice shooter. But will be fantastic fully restored by Brad B. The gun came from the original family, 3rd generation son. I did get some names and family history info with it. The gun shipped to that big hardware store in Kansas. It has a collection of reloading tools, original hard takedown case that held the gun and all the needed loading items, cases, primers, shot cards, shot was with it. Some of the stuff still have packaging! The tools are hand held and bench mounted and are in very good to minty condition. Some are marked Brigeport. I bought the package on gun broker for the buy now price that I felt was very fair......its all really neet stuff. I will consider restoring the take down case as well but it is showing its age and may be better left as it is. I wanted a Parker hammer gun for my collection and to use for preserve hunts. This has good stock dimensions at 1 1/2X 2 1/2 by 14 1/4 30" choked F/F or maybe it was M/F I forget....Some light spred-r loads will be in order. I will do some pictures after its back with the case and goodies..... thanks all SXS ohio.....(-:

Rob,
I just received back a Parker that had serious ejector and trigger issues. Gun came back perfect with light crisp trigger pulls. Very happy with the work.

Again, my 'Thanks' to all you guys for your first-hand experiences....it's a comfort, for sure...especially with the gun just having been shipped out.

If and when it returns, I'll try to get a few pics up. Meanwhile....

With my appreciation,

Rob

Rob,
Here are two Parker Reproductions he worked on for me. He also did my 20 ga. which is not shown. You can expect the best.
-plc-

I guess I and a couple other people have sent a lot of guns to Brad I have never been disappointed in any of the work he has done, Gary

I was in Grand Rapids today for work and stopped in to see Brad's new location and he was kind enough to show me around. I can't imagine a better operation in terms of capacity and staff. The shop is well organized and thought out. I met two of his barrel guys and they are very serious about their work and they have all the space and resources they need to produce top shelf results. In fact, that pretty much how I would describe the entire operation; Brad has everything needed to handle virtually any restoration job and I can't imagine a better facility for this type of work and he has staffed his shop with men and women who are true professionals who take pride in their work. No corners cut, no short cuts taken.